“All we’re doing is eliminating a program that is duplicitous and costs taxpayers this year $1.5 million,” Waller said. “We have to decide the best way to spend the citizens’ money. I’m here to say this program is unnecessary and we have better ways to spend this money.”

House Bill 1048 passed on a 37-28 vote Wednesday, with four Democrats joining all 33 Republicans in supporting the measure. Rep. Randy Baumgardner, R-Cowdrey, who represents Routt County, voted in favor of the bill.

It now goes to the Senate, where its fate is questionable though it is sponsored by Democrat Lois Tochtrop, of Thornton. So far, gun bills that have passed the Republican-controlled House have died in the Democratic-controlled Senate.